09/23/2019- In an aging community like Marinette County, the availability of robust, comprehensive services for seniors is critical to keeping more residents in their homes longer. That’s why Marinette County Elderly Services has made it their mission to assist older persons in maintaining a healthier and more fulfilled life through a full gamut of offerings. Pam Mueller Johnson is the Director of MCES and says one of their most in-demand services is nutrition assistance, whether that be congregate meals at one of their five meal sites throughout the county or through their Meals on Wheels Program.
“We provide, in a year, approximately 53000 meals and that happens through five senior cafes and actually, the biggest percent of our meals are actually Meals on Wheels. That’s probably about 65% of that total.”
Another highly utilized program through MCES helps seniors sort through the sometimes confusing and cumbersome process of understanding and applying for benefits. Olivia Cherry is an Elder Benefit Specialist and works to support those over the age of 60 with questions about any one of several benefit programs.
“The biggest thing is Medicare. Medicare is a very confusing maze at times, so when people are approaching the age of 65 and are going to be going on Medicare, that’s a service that I provide- helping them navigate that maze of Medicare.”
MCES has been serving older adults in Marinette County since 1974. More information about Marinette County Elderly Services, as well as info about upcoming events to support their mission, is available online at mces.net.